Submerge’s Holiday Gift Guide 2010

By Submerge Staff

The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means: it’s time to shop! Oh holiday shopping; for some, it’s a fun occasion, even joyous. For others, “torturous” might be a better word. If you fall into the latter category, then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the 2010 Submerge Holiday Gift Guide, your source for all sorts of great local buys this season. We went around to some of our favorite places in town and hand selected these items to show you that holiday shopping doesn’t have to suck. In fact, if you try to spend your money locally in shops like these on items this cool and unique, we’re pretty sure you’ll shift over into that first category and be having fun whilst hacking down your shopping list in no time. Remember, keep it local and tell ‘em Submerge sent you.

For men, watches are a symbol of their sensibilities. Bright and architectural, the Daytimer by Will Alsop for Alessi is a fine symbol and great gift for that special guy, with a bit of flare and style. $120, available in orange, purple, green or black, at Lumens, 2028 K Street, Sacramento.

These locally handmade pillows are great for a funky snuggle pillow, or a dudely accent to any man-lair. $26 each, available at Spanglish Arte, 905 23rd Street Suite 2, Sacramento.

A nice, clean hookah is a must-have for any man-cave or college student’s home. $79.99, available at The Outer Limits, 2540 Cottage Way, Sacramento.

Get your favorite lady an auxiliary cord installation to her car’s factory stereo and you’ll be able to plug your iPod or iPhone in for some killer car-ride jams. No more bad chick music when you’re driving. $160 for iS77 by iSimple at Audio Express, 2003 Arden Way, Sacramento (some cases may require an antenna installation, $15).

Some like it knitted. Great tube neck scarves are simple, soft, warm and adorned with winter forestry-chic buttons. Vegan and by Late to the Revolution. $35 at Never Felt Better Vegan Shop, 2315 1/2 K St., Sacramento.

For those interested in the decorative arts, or just like conversation pieces, this giant vintage lighter (circa 1960) is the perfect gift. $36, available at Fringe, 2409 21st Street, Sacramento. (Functioning, lighter fluid needed.)

Shiny, fine jewelry is great, but even better when its got an attitude. Heads up pennies, a pink gem-encrusted clover and a gun? Sure, why not? This locally handmade necklace is a great splurge gift for an edgy lady, with fine taste. By Lucky 7. $135, available at Fringe, 2409 21st Street, Sacramento.

Got a bunch of vinyl records that you want to convert to MP3s? The Numark PT-01 USB is the most convenient way to digitize your vinyl. It’s rugged, it’s portable (can run off batteries and has an external speaker) and it’s affordable. $120, available from Phono Select, 2312 K Street, Sacramento.

Fragrances make great gifts, if you’ve got the guts to be bold. Generally fragrance is a good gift for those you know very well. Observe what type of fragrance normally worn (sweet, warm, fresh, floral, musky, light, rich), and there will be a similar, but exquisite fragrance by Tokyomilk. The smell of satisfaction: Dead Sexy and Honey & the Moon are two deliciously enticing scents. $29, available at Fringe, 2409 21st Street, Sacramento.

Girls love hair accessories; especially ones that add a pop of color, some pizzazz and are locally designed and created. Aerisk by Nancy Wong. $12 and $18, available at Sugar Shack, 2425 J Street, Sacramento.

Get this year’s hottest video game, Call of Duty: Black Ops, for less than you would at any big box store. Other places are selling it for $59.99 but Dimple Records has it for $54.99, available for PS3, XBOX 360 and Wii at all Dimple locations.

Tiki mugs from Tiki Farm are a fantastic addition to anyone’s kitchen (at home or at the office). Collectable, usable and cute as heck, what more could you ask for? $15 to $25, available at Swanberg’s, 2316 J Street, Sacramento.

Nothing says, “I’m stylin,’” like a nice pair of shades! It might be cold and rainy right now, but when the sun pops out, you’ll be ready with these hip Ray-Bans. $139, available at Swanberg’s, 2316 J Street, Sacramento.

Intricate locally handmade leather flower bracelets are perfect for an eclectic gal, or your little sister. $14 each, available at Spanglish Arte, 905 23rd Street Suite 2, Sacramento.

Invite your favorite artist to get their feet wet in “mural arts” with a few cans of MTN paint in various colors with several different spray caps. This handmade paint is from Spain. $6.90 to $7.70 for various spray paint colors and types; large caps 3 for $1, small caps 6 for $1, available at Artifacts, 905 K Street, Sacramento.

Warmth & Sound. Adorable knitted headphones by Late to the Revolution are a trifecta of headphones, earmuffs and headband; and vegan. $35, available at Never Felt Better Vegan Shop, 2315 1/2 K St., Sacramento.

People like the instant gratification of using received gifts as soon as possible. A recycled flattened bottle plate/tray is perfect for holiday festivities for cheese, nuts, fruit and crackers. Plus it’s just a great piece. Any entertainer, younger and less young, would adore this gem. By Bottlehood, $24, available at Fringe, 2409 21st Street, Sacramento.

Everybody loves electronic accessories! Local performing artist David Garibaldi has joined up with Lux Mobile to create a line of iPhone and iPad cases featuring his signature painting style. Give a smart case: Einstein iPhone 3G/3GS & iPhone 4. $24.99, available at Best Buy.

There is no accessory that sticks closer to a man than his wallet. They get touched, used, showed and stuffed in pockets often. A wallet needs to be soft but sturdy, serious but stylish. If your dude needs a wallet, you’ll be setting him up proper with this keyboard stamped leather wallet by Qwerty. $44 at Ladybug Ladybug, 2512 J Street, Sacramento.